Mid-South Memories: Aug. 1

Charles Nicholas/The Commercial Appeal files
St. Peter’s Orphanage shows new wing
Getting ready for an open house at St. Peter’s Orphanage on Aug. 1, 1953, these little girls dressed up their favorite dolls, which were to repose on each bed. The public was invited to inspect the institution’s new wing.$RETURN$$RETURN$

Aug. 1

25 years ago: 1988

Baptist Health Care System Inc. opened Baptist Hospital-DeSoto on Sunday with a call from Rep. Mike Espy (D-Miss.) for increased rural health care. The 130-bed facility near Goodman Road and Interstate 55 offers inpatient and outpatient services to residents of North Mississippi. It is the ninth hospital in Baptist’s regional hospital system. Patient admission begins today.

50 years ago: 1963

Architectural firm representatives will arrive here in about a month to prepare preliminary plans leading toward five million dollars worth of improvements in Overton Park Zoo. “We’re in a position to go as soon as they get here,” said Commissioner James Moore, who made the announcement yesterday following a luncheon meeting at Metropolitan Airport with Abe Plough, business executive and philanthropist; Harry Pierotti, chairman of the Memphis Park Commission; Parks Supt. H.S. Lewis, and Frank Ahlgren, editor of The Commercial Appeal.

75 years ago: 1938

Memphians yesterday scoffed at leaden skies to go to Overton Park for the dedication of the zoo’s new bear pits which provide a more homelike atmosphere for the bruins and a better view for visitors.

100 years ago: 1913

While boxing clubs over the country are complaining of poor business the Phoenix Club of Memphis continues merrily with weekly shows. Matchmaker Haack evidently hit upon the system with low prices, many bouts and lots of action. Next week an overflow crowd is expected to watch Kid Herman of New Orleans battle Jimmy Walsh of Chicago.

125 years ago: 1888

The Equitable Land & Construction Co. is proceeding rapidly with its construction work on Madison and Jefferson opposite Col. John Overton’s residence. Two houses have been completed, five more are under construction and work will begin next week on three more.